How CDK6 helps T-cell leukemia spread
Novel functions of CDK6 in T-cell leukemia progression
This project looks at whether blocking a protein called CDK6 can stop T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study leukemia cells in the lab and in animal models to see how CDK6 controls movement of the enzyme PFKP into the cell nucleus and how that change helps cancer invade other tissues. They will examine how CDK6-driven phosphorylation of PFKP increases levels of CXCR4 and PD-L1, proteins that promote leukemia cell migration and immune evasion. The team will also analyze patient leukemia samples to test whether nuclear PFKP levels predict disease spread and outcomes. Together these steps aim to show whether blocking CDK6 could reduce leukemia dissemination and point to biomarkers for prognosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or related T-cell lymphomas, especially those with widespread or treatment-resistant disease, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies or sample contributions.
Not a fit: Patients without T-cell leukemia (for example those with B-cell leukemias or unrelated cancers) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent leukemia cells from spreading and to markers that predict which patients are at higher risk of dissemination.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting CDK4/6 have shown success in other cancers and preclinical work supports CDK6 targeting in leukemia, but using CDK6 inhibition specifically to stop T-ALL spread is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Haizhen — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wang, Haizhen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.